Williams in race for fitness

Friday 9 January 2009 00:02 BST

Wales star Shane Williams faces a fight to be fit for the RBS 6 Nations showdown against England next Saturday.

The Ospreys wing suffered an ankle injury during Wales' tournament-opening victory over Scotland at Murrayfield. And it is the latest fitness concern for boss Warren Gatland, who saw Williams' fellow Lions Gavin Henson and Ryan Jones miss the Edinburgh game due to calf muscle strains.

"I went over on my ankle tackling Jason White," he said. "I've iced it up and compressed it up, and I hope I can come back and be available for selection."

He added: "Hopefully, it is not as bad as I first thought. I am more determined than ever to play on the weekend.

"I would be really gutted if I miss the game, and I will be working as hard as I possibly can to be fit.

"At home against England, there is no bigger game, really. We will have to wait and see. I won't be playing unless I am 100% fit.

"I will do whatever it takes to get back on the field."

Williams scored his 45th Test try in the 26-13 success against a listless Scottish side as Wales launched their title defence with only a third Murrayfield win since 1985.

Mark Jones, on the verge of full fitness following recent appendix surgery, can expect a recall if Williams is ruled out.

Gatland is set to delay his team announcement by 24 hours until Thursday, giving Williams, Henson and Jones maximum recovery time.